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Business and Public Administration Internship Experience

Internships are a great way to earn college credits, attain professional experience to include in your resume and help you prepare for a career after graduation.

You can now earn college credits toward Rio Salado’s many Business and Public Administration programs through qualified internships.

A qualified internship is a structured, practical experience in which you apply all that you have learned throughout your coursework at Rio Salado. An internship should also further your knowledge and skills in an area that specifically relates to your current program of study and future career goals.

Suggestions on choosing a productive internship:

Is this an area in which you see yourself working in the future?

Will the supervisor provide training, guidance, evaluation and a final assessment?

Is this an area in which you have not previously worked, although it may be related to your current job?

Can you clearly see and state the benefits of this internship opportunity?

Will the number of hours and work time fit into your schedule?

Is your job clearly defined and is it challenging enough to keep you busy and learning?

Is there potential for hire or advancement upon completion of your degree?

Are there networking opportunities?

Is a mentorship possible after the internship has ended?

Internship Criteria

Internships can be arranged for 1, 2, or 3 credit hours, depending on work hours. A 3-credit-hour internship requires 240 clock hours of work (80 hours per credit).

Students may use up to 6 internship credit hours toward approved degrees and certificates.

An internship may be a paid or voluntary work arrangement.

Mentors and supervisors cannot be a family member, friend, significant other, current Rio Salado student or someone with whom students have a relationship that may be seen as a conflict of interest.

Students must be currently enrolled at Rio Salado with a freshman or sophomore status and have a minimum 2.0 GPA to be eligible for an internship.

The sponsoring organization must be willing to provide training and supervision throughout the semester and an in-depth evaluation at the conclusion of the internship.

Students can arrange for an internship with their current employer.

All internship experiences must be structured to expand the student’s current skill base and work experience.

Rio Salado will consider all internship applications but approval is contingent on the student and sponsoring organization meeting the criteria for an enriching career level experience.

Internship Process

To receive credit for an internship you must complete the following steps:

1. Develop a complete learning plan with the Internship Supervisor from the company you have chosen (all internships must have a designated company supervisor).

Receive approval from the Faculty Chair's office.

Register for the MKT 280 after you receive the schedule line number from the Internship Program Coordinator.

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The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO/AA institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District.

The Maricopa County Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480)731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.